The tragedy was described as one of the saddest days in the history of Queensland Ambulance Service by assistant commissioner Gerard Lawler.

"You would not get any worse circumstances in a day's work than to attend a colleague in such horrific circumstances," he said.

The twisted wreckage of the ambulance in which a 32-year-old paramedic was killed.

Mr Lawler said he could not recall a road death involving a responding paramedic in his more than 40 years of service.

The young father had been working in Mackay for about six months as an advanced-care paramedic, Mr Lawler said.

He had about 10 years' experience, including outside of Queensland.

Dozens of paramedics yesterday left their own tributes on social media for him.

One wrote: "While I was working with him two thing were always clear; if anything happened he had my back, and above all else he loved his kids and would do absolutely anything to give them the best life possible."

Mr Lawler said he cared deeply about the communities he served.

The scene of yesterday’s tragedy in which a 32-year-old paramedic died

Paramedic union United Voice said it was not appropriate to comment on the incident but offered its support to its members.

"Our thoughts are with everyone who is impacted by this tragedy, including family, friends, and the first responders who attended," Queensland secretary Gary Bullock said.

"We will await the outcomes of the investigation to determine if any further action is needed."